Run external hard drive without case

Question

My external hard drive case broke. The drive still works.

Can I just place it on my desk, out of the way, without it being in a case? Does it have to have a fan?

Solution 1

Most hard drives are ok without fans. I would say if it didn't have a fan in the case to begin with it won't need one now

Solution 2

While you can leave it exposed, it probably isn't a good idea if losing its contents would be inconvenience.

A case for a hard disk is around $20 depending on the connection, so it isn't much of an investment.

Solution 3

The case provides two things...

1. Protection - From shorting the controler board, intrusion of foreign objects/liquids/dust and static/physical shocks.

2. Cooling - Most likely passive cooling through the metal case. If the case is plastic, it likely didn't help much on this count.

The drive will function just fine out of the case but will be subjected to more environmental stress than is normal and may fail sooner due to any of the above issues.

Comments

[rob]

You could also remove the hard drive from the case completely, and install it inside your computer.

[Carey Gregory]

You can buy a cradle for exactly this purpose. Just go to amazon or newegg or wherever and search for hard drive cradle.